Indomitable Lions and Lionesses showcase supremacy as both sides claim straight-set victories over Congo in Brazzaville
Cameroon have well and truly stamped their authority on Central African volleyball, collecting both the men’s and women’s titles at the inaugural CAVB Zone 4 CHAN championship with a pair of commanding performances that left little doubt about the regional pecking order.
Playing in front of the host crowds in Brazzaville yesterday, the Indomitable Lions and Lionesses proved they’re a cut above the rest, each dispatching Congo 3-0 in their respective finals to complete a clean sweep that underlines Cameroon’s growing dominance in the sport.
The women’s side got the ball rolling with a 26-24, 25-19, 25-14 victory that was far more comfortable than the opening set suggested. After edging a nervy first frame, the Lionesses found their rhythm and never looked back, leaving their Congolese counterparts chasing shadows as they powered through the second and third sets with increasing authority.
Arthur Voukeng and mates then emphatically followed suit, brushing aside the hosts 25-22, 25-18, 25-19 to cap off a flawless campaign. Under the guidance of Coach Abbas Malloum, the Lions grew stronger as the match wore on, their clinical finishing in the third set putting the perfect gloss on what had been an immaculate tournament for the Cameroonian contingent.
The maiden edition of this sub-regional competition has been the brainchild of Bello Bourdanne, who juggles roles as president of both Fecavolley and CAVB Zone 4. His vision to elevate volleyball across the eight-nation zone is clearly bearing fruit, with this tournament forming a key pillar of his ambitious development plan for 2024-2028.
The CAVB Zone 4 volleyball tournament is not yet over, mind you. The indoor action has barely finished, and attention is being turned to the beach, with the Zone 4 beach volleyball championship getting underway today.
